People defy rebels' Republic Day boycott call

Besides the state government's central celebration at Khanapara Veterinary College playground here, the day was celebrated in all district headquarters across the state.

TNN | Jan 28, 2014, 11.07 AM IST

GUWAHATI: The Republic Day boycott call by several militant outfits of the region, including the Paresh Baruah-led Ulfa (Independent) and NDFB (Songbijit), failed to evoke response in Assam on Sunday with a people coming out in large numbers to attend the celebrations across the state.

Besides the state government's central celebration at Khanapara Veterinary College playground here, the day was celebrated in all district headquarters across the state. In Guwahati, Assam governor JB Patnaik unfurled the Tricolour amid a huge gathering. March pasts by state police, central security forces and cultural programmes by different ethnic groups of the state added colour to the spirit.

No untoward incident was reported in the state. A high alert was sounded following intelligence inputs that Ulfa (I) may carry out subversive activities across the state. Train and air services were smooth. Private vehicles, taxis, auto-rickshaws and buses run under Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) plied as usual too.

Patnaik said, "I appeal to all militant groups to shun violence and join the mainstream. The government is making all out efforts to persuade the other remaining outfits to come forward for negotiations." He added that at least 13 extremist groups have laid down arms due to counter-terrorism measures.

He said, "The government condemns the recent killings of innocent persons in Karbi Anglong, Chirang, Kokrajhar and Udalguri districts. We are taking firm steps to strengthen security in these areas and to nab the perpetrators of such inhuman crimes."

The governor added that the state has undergone massive changes over the last 12 years, emerging from two decades of conflict and economic stagnation to a developing economy. "The annual average economic growth rate registered during the 11th Five Year Plan was 6.86 per cent. This is expected to reach 9 per cent by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan if the current trend continues," he added.

Patnaik said the much-awaited update of National Register of Citizenship (NRC) is likely to be completed within the next three years. "Moreover, the Centre has agreed to set up at least 100 foreigners' tribunals from the existing 36," he added. He said the state government is pursuing the matter of according Scheduled Tribes status to six major communities of Assam.

Patnaik added that the Assam Police commissionerate will be set up in the city shortly.

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